Nassau Harbor
Nassau Harbor
Tuesday , December 20, 2022When in the Bahamas, it’s hard to say no to the delightful Nassau cruise excursion plans! Nassau is the reason why the Bahamas is known as the ‘Crown Jewel of the Caribbean’. It’s the cornerstone of tourism in the Bahamas. Once you enter Nassau Harbor, you will be mesmerized by the amalgamation of bold and tropical colors.
Nassau Harbor has a remarkable history. Pirates used it as a shelter point during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Many rum runners and outcasts used this harbor to avoid the spotlight. Besides recreation purposes, Nassau Harbor stands tall as a symbol of Bahaman history.
The harbor features some of the largest cruise ships in the world. The low-lying buildings in the area look dwarfed because of the presence of mega cruise ships.
Tourists can choose to go on a glass-bottom cruise ship for an unforgettable experience. One can also catch a glimpse of the panoramic city of Nassau from a mega cruise ship.
Apart from the cruise excursions at the harbor, people can try out other indigenous offerings of the city. The historical forts, informative museums, pristine beaches, and green spaces deliver a magnificent tourism experience. Tourists can also partake in water sports activities around the Nassau Harbor to quench their thirst for adventure.
Create a personalized cruise excursion plan to the Nassau Harbor with Cruisejoy today!
When it comes to having the perfect beach holiday, very few places in the world can compete with the Bahamas. With crystal clear waters, sunny days, and lush greenery, the Bahamas defines perfection. There are over 700 islands in the Bahamas and each of them has something unique to offer, but very few can immerse you in Bahamian culture and history as well as Nassau. Nassau is the capital and soul of the Bahamas, and it’s the perfect place to kick off your Caribbean cruise with a bang.
History
In 1670, a couple of British noblemen made their way down south to the island of New Providence to start afresh. The island was large, flat, and had a good amount of natural defenses to protect itself from external threats, making it an ideal location for new colonies. The British made a fort and named it Charles Town in honor of the reigning king in England at that time.
Unfortunately, peaceful days in Charles Town did not last. It wasn’t long until the Spaniards got involved in numerous wars with the British colony. Just 14 years later, in 1684, the town was burned to the ground by a Spanish naval expedition. The city wasn’t rebuilt until 1695 under Governor Nicholas Trott. To celebrate its new beginnings, Charles Town was renamed Nassau in honor of William of Orange. After Trout, a majority of the governors were not able to effectively run the island, which made Nassau extremely vulnerable to attacks from the French, the Spaniards, and pirates.
Until 1713, the island was attacked by the Spanish at least 6 times. The constant conflicts made it dangerous for civilians, but a sanctuary for pirates. Many infamous pirates used Nassau as a base during this time period, with their population even outnumbering the local residents at some point. The pirates included the ill-famed Edward Teach, better known as ‘Blackbeard’. By the mid-18th century, the pirates were driven out and Nassau’s luck began to turn. The island of New Providence experienced a gradual economic boom since then, which was heightened after the Cuban conflict as an alternate beach destination. Today, Nassau is booming and prosperous. Its tumultuous history is only visible if you make a deep dive into its culture.
Culture
Over the last few centuries, people from all over Europe and Africa settled in the Bahamas. The resulting culture is a beautiful mix of African, Spanish, English, French, and local cultures. These influences are visible everywhere, from their food and architecture to their music and language. The very dialect of English that they speak borrows its core grammar from West African languages.
This hybrid of cultures can be spotted at marketplaces as you pass by traditional instruments, colorful patterns, and vendors selling spicy conch meat. If you happen to visit around Christmas and New Year, you could catch their iconic festival Junkanoo. It’s an annual street parade where people dress up in bright, eye-popping costumes, dance to beats, and march from village to village while being accompanied by music. It is a festival with indigenous and African roots and it has even contributed to Nassau earning a spot in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Weather & Best Time to Travel
Nassau is a coastal city with hot and wet summers along with mild and dry winters. Since it's a partially tropical place, there is very little difference in the summer and winter temperatures. The wet season lasts from May to October and the temperatures can range from 75 F to 100 F. The dry season, on the other hand, lasts between November to April and the temperatures are much milder during this time, ranging between 63 F to 85 F.
The high season for tourism falls during the dry season when the temperatures are pleasant, however, the rates might shoot up towards December and November. The best time to visit Nassau would be between March and April when the weather is pleasant but the rates are cheap and the crowds are relatively low.
Travel Essentials & Tips
Nassau is a sunny place throughout the year unless you travel during the wet season. It’s a beautiful paradise that can be enjoyed throughout the year, however, it is recommended that you be prepared for its weather before you visit to make the most out of your trip. There may be cyclones or hurricanes during the wet season and it is suggested that you plan around them before you embark on your cruise. Heavy cruise liners may not operate in such weather conditions.
The sun can also get rather harsh during the dry seasons. Remember to pack a reliable sunscreen with high SPF along with an SPF lip balm for days at the beach. Loose-fitting and breathable clothes are also ideal for the weather, as it can get quite warm during the day. At least one formal outfit is also recommended since some of the best places to dine in Nassau have a dress code.
Things to do in Nassau
You could spend a lifetime at Nassau and it still might not be enough to do everything on New Providence island. However, there are some unmissable activities that you should definitely try out if you plan on visiting.
Visit Blue Lagoon Island
A trip to Nassau is incomplete without visiting Blue Lagoon Island. Its pristine waters and shallow covers capture the very essence of the Bahamas. Consider snorkeling in its waters or diving with the coral reefs as the main experience there.
Visit the Queen’s Staircase
For history buffs, the Queen’s Staircase is a must-visit to get a better understanding of Nassau’s history and its colonial heritage.
Visit the Museum of Pirates
A place that is fascinating to kids and adults alike, the Museum of Pirates explores the side of history that is not as well-recorded. It looks into the lives of famous pirates that lived in Nassau and gives some movies a run for its money!
Regardless of which excursion you choose, you are bound to have a trip that you can cherish for the rest of your life. Cruisejoy maintains the highest standards of safety for you and you can rest assured that nothing will be compromised in making sure that you have the best possible holiday.
